Learners can enrol in any one of the following programs: 

Microsoft Word (Level 1 & Level 2) 
Microsoft Excel (Level 1 & Level 2) 
Microsoft Outlook (Level 1 & Level 2) 
Microsoft PowerPoint (Level 1 & Level 2) 
Microsoft Publisher (Level 1 &Level 2) 

Microsoft SharePoint (Level 1 & Level 2) 

The VCAL Certificate    What is it?

The Victorian Certificate in Applied Learning (VCAL) was devised to fill the need for a Year 11 & 12 course which suited all those students for whom the VCE, as a pathway to higher education, was too narrow.

The VCAL Certificate aims to provide the skills, knowledge and attitudes to enable students to make informed choices regarding pathways to work and further education.

Personal development, the utilization of a student's particular interests, and new pathways for senior secondary students, in the context of applied learning are underpinning principles of the VCAL Certificate.

VCAL acknowledges this within:

The development of knowledge and employability skills that help prepare the individual for employment and for the participation in the broader context of family, community and life long learning.

The development of knowledge and skills that assist the individual to make informed vocational choices within specific industry sectors and/or facilitate pathways to further learning. Active involvement of students negotiating their learning programs. Student centred experiential learning through activities that are structured and sequential.

Entry Requirements

There are no formal entry requirements, but Merinda Park Learning & Community Centre (MPLCC) will require you to attend an interview to determine how we can best meet your needs and future pathway.

What subjects make up VCAL?

Students who undertake the VCAL Certificate will develop an individual learning program with their VCAL Coordinator by selecting units and modules from each of the VCAL strands.

Strand One: Literacy & Numeracy

Literacy and numeracy components must be included in your VCAL program. Here at MPLCC we will assess your literacy and numeracy levels and discuss with you what your best options will be. The literacy and numeracy units will be taught from the Certificate of General Education for Adults or VCE English and Maths units.

Strand Two: Industry Specific Skills

A combination of selected units or modules from VET certificates must be achieved and curriculum selected will provide a range of experiences to assist students to make informed decisions for future pathways in employment or study. Examples of VET Certificate II available at MPLCC:

• Information Technology
• Community Services
• Aged Care
• Youth Care
• Disability
• HACC
• First Aid
• Food Handling
• Children's Services

A negotiated education plan is available in partnership with other providers.

Strand Three: Work Related Skills

The purpose of the Work Related Skills strand is to develop employability skills, knowledge and attitudes valued with community and work environments as a preparation for part-time work, apprenticeships, work placement or on-the-job learning related to your VET Certificate. Skills in Occupational Health & Safety and Environment are also considered essential work related skills.

Strand Four: Personal Development Skills

Personal Development includes self-esteem and personal qualities developed through valuing personal achievement and contributions for the benefits of community or personal growth. This may involve demonstration of leadership, teamwork skills, accepting responsibility for goal achievement and reflecting on knowledge and skills for decision making and problem solving.

How long will it take?

Flexible Learning options are negotiated depending on the students needs.

What you get after successfully completing the VCAL Certificate?

When you have successfully completed your VCAL program, you will receive a VCAL Certificate for the level of VCAL you chose to complete. You will also get a statement of results, listing all VCE, VCE/VET and VCAL units, and a further statement of attainment for VET or Further Education courses.

Where can VCAL take you

VCAL can articulate into Certificate IV Level studies, traineeships, apprenticeships and paid employment.
Will the VCAL Certificate get you ready to enter a trade?

Once you have completed your VCAL Certificate you will have earned credit points towards a trade or industry certificate and will have knowledge of areas such as Occupational Health & Safety (OH&S). This prior learning will be recognized and count towards your apprenticeship or traineeships.

Can I work part-time and/or continue an apprenticeship while enrolled in the VCAL Certificate?

You can gain recognition and credit for part-time work while enrolled in VCAL. This work can include:

• Part-time apprenticeship or traineeships
• Part-time work
• Work placement
• Work experience

There are no guarantees in business, but often it's what you do before you get started that will ensure those vital first steps are on the right path for the best chance of success in your new home country.

This practical three and a half hour workshop will expand your knowledge of Australian business culture and regulations. From Small Business Victoria, led by an experienced small business operator with real-life know-how and lots of insight to share, you will also meet other emerging business owners in your area.

Find out how to plan, prepare and test your business idea, step by step, in a small group setting that will equip you to make informed decisions about what you need to do next to minimise the risks and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.

Come away armed with practical tools and templates, expert tips and advice, and a head start on where to access the right support and resources in future.
Includes a free follow-up one-on-one mentoring session with an experienced small business mentor who will tailor advice and information for your individual circumstances.
Get ready to take your business from idea to reality and onwards to success at this essential Small Business Victoria workshop, one of many that have helped businesses get started in Victoria for more than 10 years.

Learn how to:

• Understand Australian business culture and regulations
• Test your idea, product or service
• Assess your business readiness and next steps to fill any gaps
• Analyse your market
• Decide the business structure that's right for you
• Understand and manage your business risks and opportunities
• Prepare a business plan
• Complete all the steps to register and set up your business
• Learn from like-minded others, also newly arrived to Victoria and seeking to start a business
• Access ongoing advice and support to help your business grow.

There are no guarantees in business, but often it's what you do before you get started that will ensure those vital first steps are on the right path for the best chance of success.
So, take the guesswork out of your next steps and get ready and fully prepared to get your business off to the right start at this practical three and a half-hour workshop from Small Business Victoria, led by an experienced small business operator with real-life know-how and lots of insight to share.

Find out how to plan, prepare and test your business idea, step by step, in a small group setting that will equip you to make informed decisions about what you need to do next to minimise the risks and make the most of the opportunities that lie ahead.  Come away armed with practical tools and templates, expert tips and advice, and a head start on where to access the right support in future.

Includes a free follow-up one-on-one mentoring session with an experienced small business mentor who will tailor advice and information for your individual circumstances.

Get ready to take your business from idea to reality and onwards to success at this essential Small Business Victoria workshop, one of many that have helped businesses get started in Victoria for more than 10 years.

Learn how to:

• Test your idea, product or service
• Assess your business readiness and next steps to fill any gaps
• Analyse your market
• Decide the business structure that's right for you
• Understand and manage your business risks and opportunities
• Prepare a business plan
• Complete all the steps to register and set up your business
• Access ongoing advice and support to help your business grow
• Receive a free one-on-one mentoring session with an experienced small business mentor.